NEW YORK: Makovsky has named Douglas Hesney, formerly of Dukas Linden Public Relations, as EVP and head of its financial and professional services practice.

Hesney has replaced Scott Tangney, who worked at the firm for more than 10 years, according to his LinkedIn profile. Tangney has joined ICR as an MD in its corporate communications group.

Based in New York, Hesney is reporting to MD Denise Vitola and CEO Ken Makovsky and overseeing a team of about 10 staffers, he said.

Hesney cited the firm’s broader range of clients and the possibility of doing integrated work as reasons he joined the firm.

"This group is absolutely evolving beyond financial and professional services," Hesney said. "It has a vision to build out a corporate reputation practice that can interface with the business press on a regular basis. We want to be able to help you both promote the products you offer and tell your story to the business community."

At Dukas Linden, Hesney led the asset management practice. He developed strategic communications programs for clients, designed the firm’s analytics and measurement programs, and led business development efforts for the practice.

Hesney started at Dukas Linden as a senior account executive in 2007 and was promoted to VP in 2012, with the firm crediting him at that time with spearheading efforts to integrate digital and social media into programs for asset managers. He worked with clients such as Blue Mountain Capital Management and Adams Street Partners at the firm.

"I’m immensely proud of the work we did there to grow the agency, practice, and the team's skill set," Hesney said. "I felt this was an opportunity that was different enough and allowed me to learn more about different industries."

Makovsky is headquartered in New York and has an office in Washington, D.C. It is a member of IPREX, a worldwide agency partnership with a presence in 100 cities. The firm’s revenue was up slightly, at just more than 1%, in 2015 to $14.7 million.